A 3-year-old girl is recovering at home after being struck by a moped driver in a hit-and-run incident in the Bronx last Friday. The incident occurred on holland Avenue near Burke Avenue in the Williamsbridge neighborhood.
Mylah Rojas was walking on the sidewalk with her mother, Mariel Rojas, when the moped collided with her. “He fell. Then he got off the scooter and walked toward us but when he saw her face bleeding, that’s when he left,” Mariel Rojas recounted to Eyewitness News. “She stepped down the step. I was right behind her and he just came out of nowhere and dragged her.”
Mylah suffered a fractured skull and a brain bleed, requiring hospitalization at Jacobi Hospital. She was in and out of consciousness last week, but her mother reports that her condition is improving.
Police are currently questioning a 60-year-old person of interest in connection with the incident.
Hit-and-Run Incidents on the Rise
This incident comes amidst growing concerns about hit-and-run accidents in New York City. Just last week, surveillance video captured a car careening down a Brooklyn sidewalk, narrowly missing pedestrians.
The NYPD urges anyone with information about the Williamsbridge hit-and-run to come forward.
A terrifying crash in Brooklyn’s East flatbush neighborhood has left a community shaken.The incident, which occurred on [Date of incident], involved a [Type of vehicles involved] colliding at the intersection of [Street names].
Eyewitness News reporter Sonia Rincon was on the scene shortly after the accident and provided details on the unfolding situation. ” [Quote from Sonia Rincon about the crash].”
The impact of the collision was important, causing [Describe the damage to vehicles or surrounding area]. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, providing immediate medical attention to those involved. The extent of the injuries sustained is currently unkown.
Local authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident. [Include any information about potential contributing factors, such as speed, weather conditions, or traffic signals].
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and exercise caution while behind the wheel.
Eyewitness News will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
For more local news, visit [Link to local news section]. To submit a news tip,go to [Link to news tip submission page]. Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts at [Link to app download page]. Follow us on YouTube at [Link to YouTube channel].
Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
## Hit-and-Run Trauma: A Conversation with a Child Safety Advocate
**world Today News Exclusive interview**
Following the horrifying hit-and-run incident in the Bronx, where a 3-year-old girl was injured, we sat down with **Maria Hernandez, Executive Director of Safe Streets NYC**, to discuss the incident and the broader issue of pedestrian safety, especially for young children.
**WTN:** Ms. Hernandez, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. The story of Mylah Rojas, the 3-year-old struck by a moped, is deeply concerning. What are your initial thoughts on this incident?
**Maria Hernandez:** This is a truly heartbreaking story that highlights the vulnerability of children on our streets. It’s appalling that the moped rider fled the scene after injuring a child. This is not only a crime, but a demonstration of utter disregard for human life.
**WTN:** The rojas family was walking on the sidewalk, a seemingly safe space for pedestrians. How can seemingly safe spaces become so dangerous?
**Maria Hernandez:** Unluckily, sidewalks don’t always offer the safety they should. Reckless driving, speeding, and the proliferation of motorized vehicles, even seemingly “smaller” ones like mopeds, pose a meaningful danger to pedestrians, particularly young children who are less aware of their surroundings.
**WTN:** What needs to change to prevent incidents like this from happening again?
**Maria Hernandez:** We need a multi-pronged approach.Firstly, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, especially regarding speeding and reckless driving in residential areas, is crucial. Secondly,dedicated infrastructure improvements,like wider sidewalks and traffic calming measures, can create safer environments for pedestrians.
**WTN:** your organization advocates for stronger pedestrian safety measures. Can you elaborate on thes measures?
**Maria Hernandez:** We advocate for increased funding for pedestrian safety programs, stricter penalties for hit-and-run drivers, and public awareness campaigns to promote responsible driving behavior. We also believe in community engagement, working with residents to identify problem areas and develop solutions tailored to their needs.
**WTN:** What message would you like to leave our readers, especially parents with young children, following this incident?
**Maria Hernandez:** This incident serves as a stark reminder that we all need to be vigilant about pedestrian safety, especially when children are involved.Teach your children about road safety,hold drivers accountable for their actions,and advocate for safer streets in your community. No parent should have to experience the fear and trauma the Rojas family is going through.
**Thank you, Ms. Hernandez, for your insights. We hope this conversation raises awareness and encourages action towards safer streets for all.**
